Mr. Alan Kelly, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has announced that a contract has been signed by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) with Innovative Interfaces Global Limited for the supply and implementation of a single library management system for all public libraries in Ireland.

An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Eamon Gilmore, T.D. and the Minister for Housing and Planning, Ms. Jan O’Sullivan, T.D. launched the Right to Read Campaign on July 3rd in Charleville Mall Library. Right to Read is a new national initiative which aims to greatly enhance literacy levels throughout the country. It will be delivered in all local authorities through a nationally coordinated framework for literacy support and development.

An Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny visited Local Government House to meet with the County & City Managers' Association (CCMA). The Taoiseach and the Managers discussed initiatives in the areas of social housing, job creation and the imminent establishment of the Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities.

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, today (19/12/2013) launched the new strategy 2013-2017 for public libraries, Opportunities for All: the public library as a catalyst for economic, social and cultural development.

All through the autumn, contestants have been competing the length and breadth of the country passionately defending or attacking the idea that Citizens are at the Heart of the EU in the annual Europe Direct Soapbox Competition.

Phil Hogan, T.D. Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to-day has welcomed the decision of the Local Authority Shared Services Payroll & Superannuation Evaluation Committee, after a competitive bidding process, to recommend that Laois County Council provide Shared Payroll and Superannuation services on behalf of all local authorities.